The departure is at night, so why do I have to go to the terminal early in the evening?
One of the most frequently asked questions by first-time travelers departing from Busan for Japan by ship concerns the procedures for the New Camellia ferry at Busan Port. Although the official departure time is 10:30 PM, procedures such as boarding pass issuance and immigration close much earlier, resulting in a time discrepancy. If you arrive late relying solely on the departure time, you may face the unfortunate situation of missing the ship right before your eyes. To ensure your enjoyable trip to Fukuoka begins without any setbacks, we have perfectly outlined the practical procedures for the New Camellia ferry at Busan Port, covering everything from ticketing to boarding.
🚢 3-Line Summary of New Camellia Busan Port Check-in and Boarding Procedures ✔️ Quick Summary: 3 Essential Boarding Tips
✅ Punctuality is essential: Although the official departure is at 22:30, ticketing and check-in close much earlier, so you must adhere to the designated check-in time (around 19:00) to avoid missing the ship.
✅Tip for lining up luggage: If you line up your luggage in front of the gate before boarding starts at 19:40, you can enter on a first-come, first-served basis and secure a prime spot in the public bath or organize your luggage with ease.
✅ Cabin Key Collection: Guests using upgraded cabins of 1st class or higher must present their boarding pass at the information desk on the 3rd floor immediately after boarding to receive their cabin key in order to enter.
1. Ticketing: Must arrive by 18:30 at the latest!
(Strict Deadline)
After completing check-in at Busan Port, the first step to boarding the New Camellia is to visit the counter on the 3rd floor of the Busan International Passenger Terminal to verify your reservation details and receive your physical boarding pass. Since you cannot board the ship with just a reservation text message, you must visit the counter within the designated time to obtain your physical boarding pass before your journey can begin.
- Check-in Location: New Camellia Counter, Departure Hall, 3rd Floor, Busan Port International Passenger Terminal
- Check-in Time: Check-in for individual travelers 16:30–19:00, Check-in via travel agency 17:30–18:00. Assemble in front of the meeting board.
- Required items: You must bring the original passport . Please note that photocopies or photos are strictly not accepted.
- Representative Check-in: It is convenient as one representative can process ticketing for the entire party at once simply by bringing all passports, without the need for everyone to stand in line.
- Warning: Beware of Lateness. Please do not arrive exactly on time just because check-in closes at 19:00. To ensure arrive by 18:30 at the latest,. (Please note that there are many actual cases of lateness due to train delays and traffic congestion for those coming from other regions!!)
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🌐 Notice for Foreign Travelers: New Camellia Line Guide
⚠️ IMPORTANT‼️ Japan Visa Requirement (Must check Japan entry visa)
- Countries requiring a visa in advance (Visa Required): Passport holders of nationalities that do not have a visa-free agreement with Japan, such as China, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Russia, will be completely denied ticketing and boarding at the Busan Port counter on the day of travel if they do not have a physical visa, even if they have completed a reservation .
- Visa-Exempt Countries (Visa Exempt – Up to 90 Days):
South Korea, the United States, Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and EU member states allow visa-free tourist entry for up to 90 days. - Notice for Taiwanese Customers (Taiwan Passport Holders): Taiwanese nationals are eligible for visa-free entry, but must possess an electronic passport with their National ID Number clearly written inside
✅ Pre-Boarding Checklist
- AccuratePassport: Info When booking through Travelwing, you must manually enter your passport information, so please check carefully to ensure there are no typos. If the reservation information does not match your actual passport information, you may not be able to board.
- E-Ticket Via Email (Check Reservation Confirmation via Email):
Once your reservation and payment are complete, E-Ticketwill be sent to the email address you provided. Please present it along with your passport at the terminal counter on the day of your trip. - Safety Instructions (Emergency Evacuation Guide):
Onboard life jacket wearing and emergency evacuation announcements supported with English subtitles and broadcasts, so you can use the service with peace of mind. - Visit Japan Web (VJW) Registration Recommended:
To significantly reduce immigration processing time in Japan, we strongly recommend completing your VJW QR code registration in advance by utilizing your waiting time at the Busan Port terminal.
✅ Payment & Terminal Tips
- All-Inclusive One-Stop Payment (Zero On-Site Payment Burden):
On the Travelwing official website, you can make a one-stop payment for the total amount, including round-trip tickets from Busan to Fukuoka, as well as fuel surcharges and port taxes, using an overseas credit card. - No Cash Required at Hakata Port:
There is no need to panic about running out of cash in front of the Yen-only ticket machines at Hakata Port Terminal in Japan. Complete all tax payments in advance and simply present your passport at the terminal counter on the day to quickly receive your boarding pass. - Voltage & Power Outlets Onboard: 110V (two-prong, Type A) outlets are installed as standard in the cabins of the New Camellia . Travelers from countries using 110V, such as the U.S. and Taiwan, may use them as is; however, travelers from countries using 220V or other voltages must prepare a power adapter (travel adapter) in advance at the general area on the 3rd floor before entering the departure hall (19:30), along with motion sickness medication and snacks. (There are no pharmacies or convenience stores inside the departure hall.)
2. Entering the Departure Gates: The Magic Doors Close Strictly at 19:30
Even if you have successfully completed ticketing during the New Camellia ferry procedures at Busan Port, do not let your guard down. Be careful, as there are frequent cases where passengers miss immigration clearance by leaving the terminal to enjoy a leisurely meal. Departure gates, where baggage inspection and immigration take place, are strictly closed after the designated time, so you must familiarize yourself with the schedule.
- Entry Time: Entry begins at 17:30, and entry to the departure hall strictly closes at 19:30.
- No Re-entry: Once you pass through the departure gate and complete baggage inspection and immigration, you are considered to be in a 'departed' state and cannot exit the terminal again.
- Facility Guide: Basic amenities such as duty-free shops, duty-free pickup counters, cafes, mobile phone chargers, and restrooms are available inside the departure hall.
- Advance Preparation: There are no pharmacies, restaurants, or convenience stores inside the departure hall , so you must purchase motion sickness medication, power adapters, and necessary snacks in advance before entering.
❤️ If you have safely boarded the New Camellia after completing all procedures at Busan Port? 👇
3. Boarding
& Room Entry: Luggage Line-up Tips
After completing procedures at Busan Port, immigration, and security checks, and taking a brief rest in the duty-free waiting area, the time to board the massive New Camellia finally approaches. As boarding begins with an announcement, you will pass through the gate, cross the connecting bridge, and enter the ship.
- Boarding Start: Actual boarding procedures begin at 19:40.
- Early Entry: You can see people lining up their suitcases in advance at the boarding gate. This is to board the ship on a first-come, first-served basis and to use the public bath at a leisurely pace or organize their luggage.
- Receiving the cabin key: If you are using a cabin upgrade such as First Class or Deluxe Class, please show your boarding pass at the information desk on the lobby floor (3rd floor) after boarding the ship to receive your cabin key.
- Transportation Tip: If your luggage is too heavy or you find using the stairs inconvenient, you can use the elevator located at the bottom of the stairs.
4. Editor
's Final Travel Tip
If you don't want to break a sweat right from the start of your trip, make sure to memorize the time for New Camellia check-in at Busan Port: '19:30' ! Resisting the temptation of delicious restaurants outside the terminal and arriving a little early is the best secret to starting a romantic Fukuoka getaway, allowing you to enjoy the relaxing night view from the ship and the large public bath.
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